THE advanced Wood Technology course in the STEM department of the IT Tralee has created a wonderful bench dedicated to Donal Walsh, in association with CBS The Green.

The bench was created as part of a third year project for students currently studying the BSc in Advanced Wood Technology.

Anne O’Callaghan, principal of CBS the Green Tralee, contacted lecturer Eaneas Horan about the possibility of creating a custom piece to surround a tree that has been present at the school for over 100 years.

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Eaneas and Anne hit upon the idea to memorialise inspirational CBS student Donal Walsh who passed away in May 2013 after battling cancer.

Before his passing, Donal rose to prominence for sharing his spirit of living life to the fullest. A message which lives on today through the Donal Walsh Foundation.

Students Cormac Lawrence, William O’Connor and Christopher McKenna worked to create the piece under the supervision of Eaneas at the IT Tralee South Campus. The bench is made from fully sustainable, durable Irish Larch.

The group made the bench over a 12 week semester, but also gave up a lot of their free time to do so as it was a larger project than students would usually undertake.

The beautiful quote, “I have climbed God’s mountain and am at the top looking down” is inscribed on a plaque on the bench, in memory of Donal Walsh.

Donal Walsh’s parents, Fionnbar and Elma were present for the unveiling of the bench – which is located at a tree outside the gym – at the school on Monday.